Day of looove

We love Valentine's Day at our house! Paul and I prefer spending the evening with the kiddos, as we have some fun traditions. The boys made cards for each other earlier in the week: 

We ALWAYS order Chinese takeout. A few years ago I was too tired to cook, and since Paul loves Chinese food (I'm not a fan), I thought he'd be cool with takeout as a surprise. The boys thought it was wonderful, so once a year we eat Chinese takeout.

This year we talked my brother's family into coming, along with my mom and grandma. 

Kaelyn and Evelyn tucking in:

We played several games:

Then decorated cookies for each other:

Making cards, then cookies for each other always makes for a sweet holiday! They get so excited to show each other what they've created. I love it. Serving each other happily!

100 days and a photobomb

Alec's class celebrated their 100th day of school on Tuesday. Here in Vegas they make fruit loop necklaces, group small things into various-sized piles to add and multiply to 100 (he brought 100 Lego pieces), then make cute crowns. I wasn't there, but a friend texted me this cute picture:

Alec is adjusting to his new teacher, Mrs Scott. She uses a lot of positive reinforcement, which is key with Alec, so he was pretty proud of the ring pop he brought home after school Friday. I'm not thrilled that it's sugar, so maybe I'll donate some dollar store knick knacks.

James began reading some Dr Seuss this week-'Hop on Pop'. 

He couldn't stop laughing at the cat picture. I'm worried it translates into more terrorizing poor Monty.

Evy's had another ear infection, but seems better already. She's so funny, talking more everyday. She loves dress up; putting on my necklaces or hats.

Especially when she can use them to stall bedtime.

She's not a fan of getting her hair done, so for church this morning I did it whilst she ate breakfast in her booster seat:

This was James, photo bombing me in sacrament meeting. He thought he was hilarious...he was right. I laughed.

Here's what I wanted to remember:

It's getting better

It has been a really rough week for us. James has been an absolute beast. Last Sunday I had to carry him football-hold style out of sacrament, never to return. I then carried him screaming to Sunbeams. Constant tantrums this week! His Uncle Christopher had to carry him kicking & scratching to preschool on Tuesday (okay, that was kinda funny, because I only heard about it & Christopher called me-desperate to just bring James back home). Ugh. I have no idea what's going on with him lately. All I know is our sweet, cuddly James is now angry all the time. I remember Alec acting up a lot during the home stretch to his fourth birthday, so maybe this is the same situation?

Then there's Alec's school situation. We have fasted and prayed multiple times, with no clear answer. His class has several severe behavior issues. 3 boys with blatant anger-management issues & several violent ones. (Alec's been stabbed with a pencil in the chest, knocked down & kicked several times & constantly bullied). Unfortunately, Alec, at least at this stage in his life, is a complete follower. As a result he's become angry & violent (hmm, maybe that's where James is getting it?). Alec has regressed behaviorally in class & academically. I feel sick to my stomach sending him to school. Bear in mind this is a charter school, that should be safer & more controlled than a public school. So frustrating. So, they forced his teacher to resign Thursday morning. I feel sick about it. Friday whilst I was in class, one boy got into a huge fight in the bathroom with an older student & two others got into a fistfight in class. So, we're debating between homeschooling & putting him back into his assigned public school.

Friday night Paul and I took it to the temple. I was SO uptight and stressed about the situation, which is only making it more difficult to make the correct decision. The amazing peace that washed over and relaxed me halfway through the session was amazing. I cried through a lot of the session, but felt so much calmer after. Thank goodness for the opportunity to attend the temple. We've got some guidance now, so on to happier topics!

Today is my birthday. The boys spoilt me this morning with cards & colored pictures.

Alec built me a 'paperweight spaceship' from Legos. 

James created a cute Mr Potato Head & proudly showed me the secret stash stored for me "...to make more, mommy!" 

They sang & hugged & kissed me. 

Paul even brought me breakfast in bed!

Which Evy begged for. Immediately.

I loved every second of it! 

ALL my siblings called and sang to me. 

My mom made me my favorite: eggplant Parmesan for dinner, and strawberry pie for dessert.

I'm stuffed for tomorrow even! Too bad the Broncos weren't having as good a day. Not that we're into American football, but I grew up in Colorado, so it was disappointing to hear how horribly they lost.