Love, School, and Cupcakes -- A Full February

I've just finished tucking in my younger two and saying goodnight to another Valentine's Day on the Kronz farm. I'm not sure why, but we began making a big deal about Valentine's Day when we moved to Idaho. We start the day with a treasure hunt for the kids complete with heart shaped clues which lead them all over the house (and this year, even down to the mailbox in below freezing temperatures!). We enjoy pink pancakes for breakfast and usually take a portion of the day off to enjoy baking sugary sprinkle-laden treats and make homemade Valentines. Somewhere between wake-up and bedtime, Joe and I sneak off for a lunch or dinner or movie alone, but for the most part -- it has become a family holiday.

This year we began what I'm sure will be a new tradition -- a fondue dinner and dessert. Aside from making a huge mess, this was a great experience in working side by side with my kids as we prepared meat, vegetables, and bread with two different cheese sauces for dipping. Dessert was a variety of fruit and cakes complete with hot fudge and caramel dipping sauces. It all turned out delicious (if I do say so myself!). The highlight for me was watching Isabelle take such pleasure in decorating and setting the table all by herself. She was delighted with candles and beautiful heirloom glasses complete with hearts galore and red napkins.

I had Frank Sinatra Sax playing on the stereo complete with candlelight which led to my husband and I finishing off the evening with dancing much to the delight (and chagrin) of my children. Josiah stepped in (and on my toes) and tried his hands at it as well. Isabelle delighted herself with a broom for a partner and all was laughter and fun and another good memory ....

Aside from today, February holds 4 family and extended family birthdays so it is a busy month for us. In fact, February is one of those months that I hold my breath through as so much falls on my shoulders to complete and bring happiness to -- the ultimate job of a Mommy. I have been blessed in the mornings by Isabelle making my tea (peppermint with a teaspoon of organic sugar). She delights in bringing it to me while I am still at my desk with Bible and prayer list in hand. With her white frilled bathrobe tied gently around her waist and her stunning blue eyes amidst bed-frayed hair, she is a beloved sight in the dark morning hours. Her spirit of servanthood is a blessing to me and to everyone in our family.

Some other happenings included Legislative Day -- another day at the Capitol where the homeschoolers of Idaho state share displays, information, live music, and homemade pies with our lawmakers and state leaders throughout the day. Josiah was privileged to stand and share at the Capstone table throughout the day as well as to play his violin as background music for all present to hear.

He is looking sharp in his suit, don't you think? He is so immensely comfortable here -- it is a blessing for him to have these opportunities to learn about our state and its leaders in this venue. Lest I forget -- Josiah also received his driver's license this month!!!!! I must confess that I am much more excited about this than he is, but he is slowly getting used to the idea after spending some melancholy hours grieving over the loss of us always going everywhere together. I am happy to give him some wings in this regard and am thankful for the extra hours at home to teach my younger two unfettered.

In the meantime, the days are cold and indoor play has become the norm for Saturdays and late afternoons. My younger two begged me to take a picture of their "store" which was added to and reorganized and used for recreation for a couple of days before Mom couldn't stand the clutter anymore and all had to be put away.

A very brown landscape on a mild winter day means Isaac takes every opportunity to play football with his favorite opponent -- 4 year old "Kale". Our golden is truly a part of the family in spite of being an outside dog. He looks forward to his Isaac-time each afternoon. Spring is just around the corner :-) The birds are now regularly arguing in the blue spruce outside my bathroom window and I can literally smell the earth waking up ....

Late winter chores await outside, but for now ... I'll just enjoy my tea. Blessings everyone! Thanks for all the comments. They are an inspiration to keep blogging in spite of the fullness of life.