Valentine's Eve

We did a little pre-Valentine celebrating tonight. I came home to beautiful flowers and a sweet card that Tim had gotten for me. The boys then insisted we give Daddy his presents too. So much love and so much fun in our house!

Aren't I a romantic giving Tim a weather station? He loved it!

The boys surprised him with some running gear. 

Cole flopping all over Eli. 

Operation Mommy 70.3

So for those who don't yet know, Tim & I are signed up to do Ironman 70.3 Raleigh on June 2nd. I've called my training program Operation Mommy 70.3. It will be my longest event since having the boys and it's going to be tough!! I have been looking back at my 2005 Half Ironman times and thinking how I might be able to finish this time. I'd like to think I can do as good or better but whew, it's going to be tough. My training plan is mapped out on a calendar (pictures below) and my plan is to do as much as I can close to the program. It's a fairly simple program that calls for 9 workouts (3 of each discipline) in 6 days with 1 day off a week but man, oh man, where will the time come from? I think it will be more realistic for me to 2 workouts of each discipline for 6 a week but I'll do my best! If you notice, the 16 week program started yesterday and I got a big ole' check mark for today's "Rest Day". Yep, one workout in the bag!! Wish me (and Tim!) luck!

Park Play

This afternoon we had a great time at the park with Ryan and Ms. Carol. The boys loved playing together and Carol & I loved catching up. 

Hard to believe how big everyone is getting! Cole, Ryan and Eli - I love how they're laughing about something. You can only imagine!

Monkey Boy

A great outside shot of Eli and his Jack-o-Lantern smile. 

Love this picture of my sweet Cole-man. Happy Happy!

Packing Valentine's Day goodies

Since we had the Teacher's Valentine's Day gifts and packing taken care of, it was time to pack treats for their friends. We loaded up mini-bags with lots of goodies, especially chocolate. Who doesn't love chocolate?! This year the boys helped put the candy together and into the bags, I just stapled the toppers on. So much fun as they're getting bigger and enjoy projects. 

Getting started

Had to keep an eye on Cole, he kept taking the kisses for himself!

A little help from Daddy

Our production line

Finished product - Cole wanted Lego Police, Eli wanted Lego Ninjago. Of course, Mommy had to deliver!

Caught you reading!

Cole was all serious with his Truck Book. 

Caught you reading!!

Happy 1st Birthday Iris!

Tonight we had a lot of fun celebrating our friend Iris' 1st birthday at the Rainbow Party Room. Iris is Owen and Faye's little sister so she has to put up with all the crazy kiddos!! The boys loved running around with all the kids and each other. Weeknight parties are always fun because the get to run around and bedtime is a little bit easier. =) 

Cute little last minute gift tag - gotta remember this for others!

Burlap and felt birthday banner I made for the Birthday Girl - it turned out great!

It's not your birthday without cake, or in our case CUPCAKES!!

Ahoy there!

Sweet Little Iris

Eli's turn to scope the scene

Pizza birthday dinner

The boys had a blast slamming each other with foam blocks.

It was a toddler / kiddie madhouse in there - like a foam mosh pit!

Cole was so sweet that he took out this foam critter seat and took it over to Iris - such a ladies' man. 

Hey Birthday Girl!

Iris and Cole - two cuties!

Having fun Mom!

It's all fun and games until somebody gets upset. 

a Blanket for Caroline

I haven't posted all of the baby blankets and/or sewing projects I've done but I HAVE to post this one. This is probably my most favorite baby girl blanket ever. I usually use a lot of bright colors and patterns but for this one, I toned it down a bit and used gray and pink with some yellow in there. The superstar of the blanket is the elephant fabric with balloons and hearts - everything was picked around that fabric. It's such a beautiful blanket and I can't wait to meet the sweet little Caroline that it's made for. 

Valentine's Day painting and some baking

Today the boys painted brown gift bags for their Teacher's Valentine's Day presents. Sometimes I amaze myself with ideas of how to keep them busy and how to involve them in the gift giving process. They had a great time painting and painted each bag for a specific teacher, making sure I knew who it was for. We also baked cookies - everyone's favorite thing to do!

Two boys + paint = beautiful gift bags

Such concentration

I love how he kinda sticks his tongue out when he's concentrating.

Time to bake - Cole LOVES to be my helper. 

Who wouldn't be happy with baked goods?!

Layered up

With chilly temps, we struggle to get the boys to put enough clothes on to go outside. They'd rather be in short sleeves and shorts all the time (who wouldn't?!). Today though they decided to super layer up and be super cute in the process!! Thankfully friends and family make sure they're dressed well. 

Camo jacket from Uncle Billy and Aunt Niki. Vest from Aunt Cary. Runner girl hat is Mommy's. 

Green sweatshirt ("sweater" as Cole calls it) and Vest from Aunt Cary. 

Mr. Crazy Pants

Never a dull moment when you have in-house resident entertainment!