Monday, February 16, 2009

Valentines '09

Ok, the truth of the matter is, we don't really do Valentines. I don't really do any Holiday, 'cause i'm Scroogey like that. But, Valentines, overall is just dumb to me. However, I DID buy Maggie a shirt, though you can't see it, and we did do a couple of other things. And after seeing some of my friends and families Valentine extravaganzas, I feel like perhaps I could look at it another way and make it a better day. I don't know, I just don't care. I mean, I DESPISE Halloween with every fiber of my being. It's a stupid, stupid made up day for looking dumb and eating candy. St. Patricks Day is even more worthless. You all know how I feel about Christmas. I mean, I love the season of Christmas, the decorations, the real "reason" for it, i just can't buy into the commercialization. I love Thanksgiving and I like Easter, again for it's purpose. But overall, somewhere along the way of life I turned into a grinchy holiday shrew. What to do with me? I think I will from here on out like to make a more concerted effort not to be so negative and make a little better effort to make each of these "pointless" holidays more special for just our family. Create a tradition if you will. But, that wasn't the point of this post and the pics. Because, like I said, in spite of my "disdain" I did buy Maggs a shirt, made some cupcakes and even delivered some, AND bought Jere a present. Because you know, he loves him some presents.


Last Valentines I made Jere scrambeled eggs in the shape of a heart, this year, no breakfast. Last year we took a pic with him and the girls, they were all in red. This year, Brooklyn had a reddish jacket, and Maggie had some red cherries on her shirt, does that count? But, the pose is the same, and they're all still really cute.
I got a wild hair and decided to make some red velvet cupcakes. When I was pregnant with Maggie, ALL things cake were my desire and NEED. I thought red velvet was the yummiest thing ever. For whatever reason, this time, not so much. That could be because I haven't been able to smell or taste anything for almost 2 weeks, but whatever. Anyway, MAGGIE LURVES to lick a spatula and this was no exception. Pretty sure if you look close enough, you can see all the way to China in there, or at least to her belly button.

This is her saying "cheeeeeeese". She thinks she's being so cooperative when she does this.


Maggs is a very good little helper, and this time she got to pour the oil in the mix, lick the spatula AND count the cupcake holders. Oh, and empty a drawer, 'cause you know...she likes that.



Max graciously sat in his swing and cooed at us for the event. He's become quite adept at pulling the little fishies, which in turn make the lights and music play. What can I say, he's genius.

The actual cupcake making was Friday night. So, promptly, upon wake up on Saturday morning (actual V-day) we endeavored to frost the cupcakes. I know, how lucky for you, to see me in all my morning glory, bra less and all. LUCKY!

Don't worry, a new knife was procured before frosting anymore cupcakes. Hey, she's a girl that just enjoys a sugar rush for breakfast.

The first batch we frosted were not so "clever" as these. They were plain with red sprinkles and we immediately sashayed over to Dixies and delivered them to her house of Valentine extravagence. They were decorated to the hilt, having heart shaped pancakes on all kinds of heart shaped dishes and Valentiney place matts. It was an explosion of "love".


After her diligent and hard work of the morning, you know, frosting, licking, delivering, I felt it only fair that she got to enjoy one of her delicious creations. But NOT until AFTER she ate a bowl of cereal. Sheesh people, you think I'm THAT bad a Mom?
Saturday Jere had Mary Kay stuff most of the day, so the kids and I got ready, stopped by my parentals, bought some gas at Costco and journeyed over to Superstition Springs Mall to pick up a picture. See, when I got their pics done at Kiddie Kandids I got a "free" 16 X 20 with the package. Do you have ANY idea how HUGE that picture is? I am so SURE! What will I ever do with a picture that big? Nothing, that's what. But, we at least got to go to the mall, get out of the house and see something other than our 4 walls. By the time we got home, Jere was there and it was time to eat.

So, for our Valentines, I made a Kick A pizza. Seriously, I make a fine homemade pizza these days, and it's about the easiest, fastest thing ever. I wish I could take credit for the dough, but that goes to My Kitchen Cafe, you should check her out (see my sidebar). BUT, I DID figure out how to make the BLT pizza myself. So, if you want the recipe or anything, let me know, 'cause I loves to share. (Do not worry, I'm fully aware that I look like a total tard in this picture)
Yeah, so it was a quiet, yet lovely evening at home with the kids and our pizza. And I think that's exactly how it should be.
Hearts and cupids,
Allyson










12 comments:

Jenn said...

I feel the same way about valentine's day but I survived another one and actually got some really cute cards from my kids. The pizza looks delicious and we will have to try it. I told my kids that we are trying a new recipe every day during spring break so that will be one of them.:)

✩Molly✩ said...

i say it is less about quantity and more about quality.. time together, and remembering why it is we love the ones we do with such fervor. Glad you had a good one, and good job with the cupcakes, they looked fab.

Dana said...

Many years ago I watched a mom I admire slather love all over her kids on Valentines day and I was really inspired by her. I love my kids so much...and I forget to tell them enough. Hence the perfect day. I do something every year, although it is usually different. We've done the heart dinners, breakfasts, room decor, baloons, chocolate craziness, and of course always valentine cards. Now that they are a bit older, I try to just choose things they love. Rice pudding to wake up to, a "hearty" display with candy, a dinner they love, and of course a hand written valentine card from mom. Pretty sure that is why Breckyn had to be home from BYU for the holiday. As great as a mom you are, I'm certain you'll begin to cherish the holidays and the chance to build lasting memories with your own sweet bambinos! D

Andrea said...

Valentines Day belongs to Ron. As it did to my Dad and to Ron's Dad. It's kinda funny we both grew up with the same tradition in our families. Our Dad would buy a small box of see's chocolates and put them by our beds when we woke up. It was something we looked forward to every year. My kids look forward to this every year as well. As far as Ron and I are concerned we really don't celebrate it. Except we remembered our first date on Valentines day 18 years ago! Wow we really are old!

LadyCarma said...

I agree with you about the "other holidays" though Christmas and July 4th, and Mother's Day are different for me. Years ago, when the kids were young, I was in the grocery store stocking up the essentials for meal planning for the next day, Sunday. A woman says to me in the check out line: "So are you ready for tomorrow?" I thought: yes, I have the food plan so I keep the Sabbath day holy, etc, and then I looked in her basket, and realized she was talking about Easter, the egg hung, etc. I remember thinking how shocked I was that she thought that was more important the Christ's resurrection. To each his/her own!

LadyCarma said...

Ops, Typos. Sorry - egg hunt, and "than Christ's resurrection." I need new glasses and a new brain would be good too.

Lana said...

I, as you know, am in love with holidays and fun/celebrations. But this year I got so busy with making Tatum's class cookies, that I didn't really remember to do anything else. Plus, I had work and Porter was off at the eagle project. But I have resolved to do a little more to show my family a little bit of love.

Mel said...

Okay you know I love you, but enough with the holiday negativity! They are fabulous. This little lady at one of my baby showers gave me this little gem of advice. She told me to make sure to create traditions with your children, so that they will want to come HOME to observe them.
Good job on the cupcakes. I still haven't braved baking with the O train.

Hot Diggity Daws said...

Fantastic cupcakes! That is a pizza extraordinare! For a humbug you really sort of out due yourself. I suppose the world is lucky you are scroogesque otherwise, holy crap, I have no idea what you might accomplish!!!

Tara L. Stradling said...

I loathe and detest VD (not worth spelling out the entire word), and someone suggested to me just this year to call it Happy Arizona Statehood Day. I love it.

So Arizona is now 97 years old and next year, on February 14, it will be 98. That's the only type of celebratin' I'll be doing on this particular day...

Anonymous said...

Holidays are so fun. Yes some of them I agree are retarted, but nonetheless we have them. Sometimes it just gives us an excuse to be with family & friends that we wouln't see all the time, but for that holiday. And I have to say my dear....that your little ones will have some Happy St. Patty's day....Did you for get who their Autnie is? hee-hee
Plus as Jere always tells me "it's just an excuse to dress like a dork". Well, not that I really need such ocation. :) But really you make your own traditions with your family. Incorporat some from your's and some from Jere's and mix together & WHALA! you have a holiday tradition to be proud of.
Loves to you.

The Atomic Mom said...

Thank you for hating Halloween. I thought I was the only one. As for Valentiens day, just drop off the cookies and leave.